Citation

Perry RW, Lindell MK. Int. J. Mass Emerg. Disasters 1990; 8(2): 117-136.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, International Sociological Association, International Research Committee on Disasters)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined the long-term patterns of protective response to the threat of volcanic eruption at Mount St. Helens. Data collected from a sample of 103 affected residents were examined to determine the frequency of adoption and interrelationships among five actions -- insurance purchase, evacuation preparation, purchase of specialized equipment, and mitigation actions for ashfall threat or for mudflow/flood threats -- that could be taken to protect personal safety and property. Eight variables: hazard salience; threat knowledge; perceived risk from ashfall; perceived risk from mudflows and floods; previous damage; emergency planning; information from relatives; and information from friends were hypothesized to be associated with higher levels of hazard adjustment. All variables except those relating to information sources were found to have significant positive correlations with the level of hazard adjustment, although the regression coefficient for one variable, perceived risk from ashfall, became non-significant when all variables were entered into a regression equation. The results suggest directions for future research as well as strategies that public safety officials can take to enhance the level of adjustment by the population at risk.

Language: en